Yet all of Drake's desperate struggles and efforts were utterly useless before Ronglin. No matter how strong an ant was, before a lion, it could never compare to even one of the lion's toes.
"Damn it!" Drake once again furiously drove his power and swung his short axe down at Ronglin.
But this time, Ronglin did not dodge. His eyes were clear, and that faint smile had vanished, replaced by a calm, composed expression. Facing Drake's attack, Ronglin casually raised his left hand. Just as the short axe was about to strike his head, his hand flashed up like lightning and abruptly gripped the axe's handle guard.
"Crack!" Drake's powerful blow came to an abrupt halt. Ronglin had effortlessly blocked the attack barehanded, its momentum silently dissipating. Yet the rebounding force sent Drake flying.
"Urgh!" Drake, exhausted beyond measure, crashed to the ground. Every limb and bone in his body ached unbearably, and he felt as though he were about to fall apart. Several of his wounds hurt fiercely, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.
"Captain!" The pirates cried out in alarm as they watched the young man walk toward their captain.
Ronglin looked indifferently at Drake, then casually tossed away the short axe he had taken from him.
Drake's entire body was aching now; even breathing was agonizing. His opponent's figure had become somewhat blurry, and only by forcing himself to focus could he see the newcomer clearly. Drake no longer had the strength to fight. Now, he could only let others do as they pleased with him.
"Who exactly are you?" Drake rolled over and leaned half-reclined against a crate, looking up at Ronglin. "Someone like you can't possibly be a nobody. Who are you?"
As he spoke, Drake subconsciously glanced at Jazz, who was slowly